Elder and Sister Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
Sister Soares
- In Mosiah 27:25-26 it states: “And the Lord said unto me: Marvel not that all mankind, yea, men and women, all nations, kindreds, tongues and people, must be born again; yea, born of God, changed from their carnal and fallen state, to a state of righteousness, being redeemed of God, becoming his sons and daughters; And thus they become new creatures; and unless they do this, they can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God.”
- How can we know if we have been born again and if we are truly ‘new creatures’? Our heart changes, our appearance changes, our manner of speaking changes, we become as little children.
- All this is possible through our Savior and the power of His atonement. He has the ability to change our very nature, not just our behavior.
- While serving a mission as a young woman, my companion and I taught a 70-year old man. He didn’t think it was possible for him to change, but we witnessed a miracle as the Savior transformed him into a disciple. He later said to us, “Thank you for showing God to me!”
- We can change our behavior, but it requires the Atonement of Jesus Christ to change our nature.
- He can carry us if needed. Pray to the Father for the desire to change your heart, for the Savior to help you meet your challenges, to help you BECOME!
- Doctrine and Covenants 58:42-43 states: “Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more. By this ye may know if a man repenteth of his sins—behold, he will confess them and forsake them.”
- We all have need to change and repent, even on a daily basis. Elder Packer taught that if there is something about ourselves that we don’t like and that we need to change, rise above it NOW! It is possible with the Lord’s help.
- Jesus lives, Jesus loves, Jesus leads.
Elder Soares
- Please know that President Nelson is optimistic about the future. Be comforted. Remember whose Church this is. Remember that the Lord is bound if we do what He says. God will provide for our needs, as individuals and as a Church. Promises and blessings are ahead for all of us.
- My wife is a devoted daughter of God. I love her dearly.
- I bring you love from the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve. The First Presidency prays for all of you in every prayer they offer. Please know that prophets, seers, and revelators think about you and pray for you continually. This is a marvelous blessing in your lives.
- I want to tell you how the selfless service of two devoted missionaries changed the lives of my family. I was 5 years old when two devoted elders came to our home. I remember how I felt when they were in our home. I didn’t want them to leave because I felt wonderful while they were in our home. I remember their little ‘flannel board’ on which they showed us pictures that emphasized their message. Their legacy is precious in our family.
- Chapter 1 of Preach My Gospel tells us that we are called to help people become closer to their Heavenly Father and their Savior. Always remember that true conversion must precede baptism.
- How great is your calling, young missionaries. You are called to bless and convert. To serve as a full-time missionary and to be a representative of Christ is a priceless privilege. You are special children of God.
- We as general authorities have confidence and trust in you.
- I would like to discuss to important points regarding the Lord’s confidence in us as missionaries. How can we gain His trust?
- Number One is personal righteousness.
- You must keep the commandments and rules willingly! Remember that obedience is the first law of heaven and obedience is an act of faith.
- Be ye clean who bear the vessels of the Lord. We cannot represent Jesus if we do not have clean hands and pure hearts. In Doctrine and Covenants 38 the Lord tells His missionaries that He will lead them and that they must be clean before Him.
- Doctrine and Covenants 4 mentions ‘VIRTUE’. Virtue is a moral quality that leads to a desire to be clean, to be good, and to have clean habits.
- Satan always tries to distract us away from cleanliness, but we must maintain high standards. You promised that you would do that when you accepted your missionary callings.
- I am aware of a missionary that struggled with impure thoughts, and he successfully overcame this tendency by always singing a hymn when an impure thought tried to creep into his mind.
- Are you aware that ocean-going ships accumulate barnacles while they are at sea, and these barnacles weigh down the ship greatly. These large ships will periodically sail up the Columbia River near Portland, Oregon to have the fresh, clean waters of the Columbia loosen the barnacles from the hull of the ships. Likewise, sailing in clean and pure areas will rid your minds and souls of impurities.
- Obey with a willing heart and others will trust you.
- Number Two is guidance by the Holy Spirit.
- Number Two is guidance by the Holy Spirit.
- The Spirit changes hearts. The Prophet Joseph Smith said that no man can preach the Gospel without the Spirit.
- Avoid distractions. Have you spiritual armor on at all times.
- Number One is personal righteousness.
- As I conclude, I would like you to know that in the past I had faith that Jesus lives. I now tell you that I KNOW that Jesus lives. Missionaries, HE LIVES! He is resurrected. He leads this Church personally.
- The Savior will direct you if you have the Spirit in your lives.
- I never wish missionaries ‘good luck’ because that implies a hope in things that we cannot control. There is no ‘luck’ in successful missionary work. There is simply obedience to divine principles. The Lord’s promises are sure.
- We love you, but beyond our love is implicit trust in you.
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